Redundant Air NZ staff could be redeployed to Ministry of Health, CE says

Air NZ CE Greg Foran said airline staff being transferred to the Ministry of Health was "absolutely on the table". Monday Foran said, based on forecasted impacts of Covid-19 on air travel, the airline's 12,500 workforce could reduce by up to 30%, which equates to about 3750 jobs. The govt threw the carrier a lifeline Friday morning by offering a loan of up to NZ$900m to support the airline through the crisis. Finance minister Grant Robertson said he was mindful of the uncertainty and anxiety of Air NZ staff who faced the prospect of losing their jobs. One option being explored by the airline and the govt was redeploying Air NZ workers to the Ministry of Health to help with New Zealand's response to Covid-19. The Ministry of Health, Air NZ and unions had already been discussing options, he said. <br/>